B52s - Photoscapes

  by Darren Aston

published: 6 / 8 / 2019

intro

Darren Aston photographs the B-52s on their last UK date of their farewell tour at the Manchester 02 Apollo.

First formed in Athens, Georgia in 1976, the B-52s are currently playing their farewell world tour. The tour started in North America earlier this year, saw them visit Europe in June and July where they played four shows in the UK, and is currently concluding with a final round of dates in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Described by John Lennon shortly before his death as being his favourite group, the B-52s have become renowned for their large wigs and the bizarre lyrics of their songs about beach parties, exotic food and space travel. Their music has proved similarly unorthodox, combining elements of 50s rock and roll, 60s girl groups and 70s new wave. The B-52s have had worldwide hits with singles including 'Rock Lobster' (1978), 'Love Shack' (1989), 'Roam' (1990), 'Good Stuff' (1992) and '(Meet) The Flintstones' (1994), and released seven albums, ]The B-52s’ (1979), ‘Wild Planet’ (1980), ‘Whammy’ (1983), 'Bouncing Off the Satellites' (1986), ‘Cosmic Thing’ (1989), ‘Good Stuff’ (1992) and 'Funplex' (2008). While guitarist Ricky Wilson tragically died of AIDS in 1985 and drummer Keith Strickland retired from touring in 2012, the B52s still features original members Fred Schneider (vocals, keyboards), Kate Pierson (vocals, keyboards) and Cindy Wilson (vocals). These photographs of the B-52s were taken exclusively for Pennyblackmusic by Darren Aston on their final UK date at the Manchester 02 Apollo on the 3rd July.

Also at Apollo, Manchester

Band Links:-

Picture Gallery:-